'International coaching system responsible for Ishant Sharma's injury'

Mumbai: Ishant Sharma has been ruled out of Team India for ICC World Cup 2015 due to an injury. The news did not go well with the player’s family members and friends. His personal coach, Shrawan Kumar, said: “International coaching system is responsible for Ishant Sharma's frequent injury problem.”

“The present day coaching system in our country is not good enough to retain the fitness level of Asia’s fast bowlers. The natural body structure of European players are stronger compared to Asian players and therefore, they can sustain their fitness level for a longer period,” said Kumar.

He also said that the foreign coaches don’t allow Indian cricketers to bowl more overs during training sessions

“The pressure of playing international cricket is immense and with the lack of bowling practice, our bowler (Ishant) is unable to deliver,” he added.

"The foreign coaches only focus on the players' fitness and keep them engaged in gym,” said Kumar.

Ishant Sharma was not selected for World Cup in 2011. This time, he struck form and looked in good shape before the injury brought him down the pedestal. Vijay Sharma, the fast bowler’s father, said: “I am not sure whether he would remain in Australia or return. He is being guided by the team physio and the doctors. Whenever he returns, he will rush to National Cricket Academy.”

Greshma Sharma, Ishant’s mother, was initially reluctant to talk for the news broke her down.

But she said, “Ishant is only 26 now. Let us hope he plays the next World Cup (in 2019).”